FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Blue Hens Club?

A. The Blue Hens Club represents alumni, parents and friends of Delaware Athletics who recognize the value of intercollegiate athletic experience and participate in promotion and support of our 600 student-athletes.

Membership in the Blue Hens Club plays a vital role in our mission to inspire greatness and create exceptional experiences together.

Q. Why are annual fund gifts important to Delaware Athletics?

A. Annual contributions to the UDAF or one of our 21 varsity sports are a critical component to supporting each program, our student-athletes and coaches so that they have the necessary resources to compete for CAA Championships and represent UD at the national level. Annual donations are put to immediate use in the operating budgets of your favorite team(s) and fund essential needs of each of our programs including recruiting, training, travel, equipment, and more.

Q. What is the University of Delaware Athletic Fund (UDAF)?

A. The University of Delaware Athletic Fund (UDAF) is the unrestricted fund for Delaware Athletics. Gifts to the UDAF support all 21 varsity programs at UD. Annual support to the UDAF supports the department and team operating budgets for recruiting, team travel, training and equipment.

Q. Are contributions to Delaware Athletics tax deductible?

A. Yes, your gift is tax deductible as provided by law. Any portion of your gift that is designated to Athletics and gives you the right to purchase priority seating and/or parking at an athletic event is subject to IRS rules (IRC 170(I) and IRS Publicaton (526) which limits the tax deductible portion of that gift to 80 percent of the amount contributed. Please consult your tax advisor.

Q. My company has a matching gift program. Can a company’s matching gift be counted toward my Blue Hens Club total?

A. Yes. Many companies provide a matching gift program as a benefit to encourage their employees to make charitable donations. Upon making this donation, the company will “match” the employee’s original gift; the amount or percentage varies per company. To determine if you are eligible to make a matching gift and to receive a matching gift form, please check with your employer.

Note: Matching gifts cannot be processed for companies that prohibit gifts to athletics.

A. Unfortunately, contributions to other areas of the University do not count toward seating and parking requirements. Donors making contributions through Donor Advised Funds, e.g., United Way or Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund may not be eligible for seating/parking benefits based on the outside organization’s specific policies. Please confirm the policy with the third party organization that you donate through before submitting the donation. Contributions that qualify an individual for the right to purchase priority seating and parking are 80% tax-deductible, according to Internal Revenue Code 170(I). Please note contributions are non-refundable.

Q. What is the timeline for contributing to the Blue Hens Club in order to have the opportunity to purchase priority parking for Football?

A. Please contact our office by phone at 302-831-6276, or you may make your gift online at www.bluehens.com/giving. Your gift to UD Athletics can be made in a variety of ways: Cash/check, stock, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover/NOVUS or American Express). Please note donations made through third parties, i.e. United Way, may not be eligible for benefits based on the outside organization’s specific policies. Please confirm the policy with the third party organization that you donate through before submitting the donation in order to ensure we will be allowed to provide benefits if that is the intent of your gift at this time.

Q: Who shall I make my check payable to?

A: All checks should be made payable to “University of Delaware”. Your gift of unrestricted annual support will automatically enroll you as a member of the Blue Hens Club.

Q. Can contributions to the Blue Hens Club be made on a monthly basis?

A. Contributions can be made to Athletics via automatic monthly debit via a checking account, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/NOVUS or American Express by calling (302) 831-6276.